Rep. Faso will vote 'no' on tax bill

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

John Faso speaks to the Daily Gazette Editorial Board.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, will vote against the Republican tax reform bill scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

Faso, who represents the 19th Congressional District, said in a prepared statement Wednesday that he will vote against the bill because it eliminates the deduction for state income tax payments and limits the deduction for property taxes, and he believes state revenue will be reduced, as wealthy taxpayers are given more incentive to leave New York state.

“I have consistently stated that my goals for tax reform are to increase economic growth, increase worker paychecks, incentivize small business investment and ensure New York families are better off,” Faso said in a late-afternoon statement. “Unfortunately, I do not believe the current tax bill being considered by the House meets all those goals. As such, I will vote no when the bill is considered in the House of Representatives tomorrow.”

In late October, Faso also voted against a budget bill that was a precursor to the tax vote, as did U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro. That bill passed the House 216-212, with seven New York Republicans voting against it.

Stefanik, who represents the 21st Congressional District, has yet to say how she will vote on the final bill. No Democrats are expected to vote for the legislation, which they have criticized as benefiting the wealthy more than the middle class.

The Senate is working on its own tax reform bill.